|
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has transferred the technology of its haemophilia and Von Willebrand disease (VWD) rapid card test to the Bengaluru-based Bhat Biotech. Both haemophilia and VWD are bleeding disorders.
The technology, researched, designed and patented by Dr Shrimati Shetty, Scientist F, ICMR-NIIM (National Institute of Immunohaematology), Mumbai, is used to detect Von Willebrand Factor antigen in human plasma. It is positioned as an indispensable device for government’s women and child healthcare check up camps among other private diagnostic centres and hospitals.
There is a critical need for a rapid test for haemophilia, the rare, genetic disorder in which the ability of a person's blood to clot is impaired. We are of the view that our Bio-Scan is the first rapid antigen test (RAT) in the world. We have geared up to manufacture and market this for which ICMR will get royalty payments, Dr Shama Bhat, chairman and managing director, Bhat Biotech told Pharmabiz.
Our kit is a membrane based immunoassay designed to detect the Factor VIII antigen in human plasma. The process of testing is efficient and fast. The kit is also far affordable for the diagnostic centres to procure. Each pack has 10 numbers with a dropper and silica gel. Such a kit is a game-changer on the haemophilia testing landscape, he added.
Factor VIII monoclonal antibody is immobilised in the test line region of the device. After the blood sample is added, it reacts with the Factor VIII monoclonal antibody coated particles in the conjugate pad. If the specimen has Factor VIII antigen, then a coloured line will appear in the test line region indicating that the person is positive and needs to access treatment.
“The World Federation of Hemophilia too promotes the need of rapid antigen test which is a big support to faster diagnostics. Rapid antigen tests is far more advantageous over molecular assays. This is because the testing can be deployed outside of diagnostic labs and hospital setting,” he noted.
The Haemophilia Society Bengaluru Chapter estimates over 6,000 suffering the disease in in Karnataka. The expensive treatment has been a deterrent to patients and this led the Karnataka government to offer medicines free of cost under National Health Mission for which Rs. 29 crore has been approved.
Another initiative is at Davengere where the Karnataka Haemophilia Society has launched a van to test and the treat the condition. The reality is diagnosis rate of Haemophilia is considerably low, at around 13 per cent awareness about the disease and accessibility to treatment centers are challenges in the haemophilia ecosystem that are seen be increasing during the phase of this ongoing Covid pandemic.
|